MADISON – Wisconsin Safety Council (WSC) is proud to join Gov. Scott Walker, the National Weather Service and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association in their support of severe weather awareness. Severe weather can cause a variety of unsafe situations, and it is imperative that all Wisconsinites are prepared for tornadoes and other inclement weather.

According to the National Weather Service, Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes per year. In fact, 23 touched down in the state in 2017, including an EF3 in May that traveled 83 miles across Polk, Barron, Rusk and Price counties where one person was killed.

“It is our goal to end preventable injuries and deathes through more training, greater awareness and better preparation,” said WSC Executive Director Janet Metzger. “Wisconsin’s Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week and the planned tornado drills on April 12 are a great way to make sure your business, your employees, your family and you know what to do in an emergency situation.”

Wisconsin will issue two mock tornado warnings on Thursday, April 12 at 1:45pm and 6:45pm. WSC encourages everyone to actively participate in these drills and determine the most efficient way to get to safety.

In the case of a tornado, take the following steps outlined by the National Safety Council:

Seek shelter immediately
If you’re away from home, seek out a basement, interior corridor, tunnel, underground parking lot or subway
Avoid auditoriums, upper floors of buildings, trailers and parked vehicles
Stay away from all windows
If you’re out in the open, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area and protect your head; stay away from poles or overhead lines
If you’re driving, drive at right angles to the tornado’s path; if you can’t escape it, get out of the vehicle and seek a low-lying area
If you’re at home, head for the basement and take cover under a heavy table or workbench; if you don’t have a basement, go into a windowless room in the center of the house
Stay away from windows and cover yourself with a rug for protection against flying glass and debris
Know the difference between a watch (conditions are favorable for a tornado to form) and a warning (a tornado has been spotted in your area and you should take shelter immediately)

For more information about Wisconsin’s Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness week April 9-13, please click here.